MPs vote 65-55 in favour of Civil Union Bill

Another milestone has been passed by the Civil Union Bill which has got through its second reading with MPs voting 65 to 55 in favour of the controversial legislation.

The bill which allows gay and heterosexual couples to form legally recognised "civil unions" passed its first reading by 66 votes to 50. The conscience vote was an indication of how the final vote may go next week.

National's Don Brash reaffirmed he would not back the Civil Union Bill but said he did believe in a legal framework for same-sex couples.

Dr Brash refused to support the legislation because he wants it to go to a referendum. He said if it did, his vote would be in favour.

Transsexual MP Georgina Beyer delivered an impassioned speech in favour of the Bill.

The public gallery gave Ms Beyer rousing applause following her speech in which she said that gays may be different but they hold the same values, particularly when it comes to families. Ms Beyer said discrimination against those who are different must end.

Labour MP Moana Mackey told the House it was absurd to claim homosexual unions distort the sanctity of marriage.

She said there were no complaints when a radio station married two complete strangers and only brief controversy.

MPs say they have faced unparalleled lobbying on the bill.

The Catholic Church urged its members to take note of the way their MPs voted on the Civil Union Bill today when deciding who to support at the next election.

Catholic bishops have sent their unprecedented message in a letter to parishes, to be read from pulpits this Sunday.

In the letter, the bishops say they feel obliged to take their action because of the grave implications of the legislation.